Benjamin's Thunderstorm

In this rainy-day story, a thunderstorm evokes a boy’s family traditions. Benjamin loves the rain. He loves splashing through puddles and watching a rainbow’s colors as they ripple around his feet. But most of all, Benjamin loves thunder. To him, thunder — piyêsiwak — sounds like his grandfather’s drum. It calls to him, like songs his grandfather plays while his father and other powwow dancers spin and step in time. Benjamin listens to the thunder and imagines himself as a powwow dancer. He spins, taps his feet, lifts his knees. Faster and faster he twirls, filled with the rhythm of piyêsiwak. Children will appreciate this timeless celebration of the joys of nature and family traditions.